Polls are open; a primer on process

Polling places in New Jersey will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. The New Jersey Division of Elections recommends that voters with flexible schedules visit polling places during off-peak hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. will be given the opportunity to vote.

Voters with complete voter registration information in the poll book will vote using the electronic voting machine. In addition to voting by machine, there are two types of paper ballots used on Election Day: provisional ballots and emergency ballots.

Any registered voter whose name is not in the poll book, or, who has moved within the county without informing the county election office prior to the election will vote using a provisional ballot.

Emergency paper ballots are used when a voting machine is not operating for any reason. Poll workers may also authorize the use of emergency paper ballots when a district’s single machine is in use for an extended period of time with the audio component for a disabled voter.

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About Michael Symons

Michael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."

About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael